Ins: Jeremy Ellis (Heywood), Sam Alberts (North Warrnambool Eagles), Dalton Pincott (Wy Yung), Chris Clarke (Russells Creek), Ben McLean (Terang Mortlake), Robbie Hare, Dylan Hare (Port Fairy), Brent Fedley, Jason Wilson, Brad Edge (North Warrnambool Eagles).

Outs: Jos Medley (Merrivale), Brad Williams (Geelong Amateur).

Player to watch: Robbie Hare. The former Port Fairy forward can dismantle a defence as proven by his Hampden league scoring record. Consistency is key.

Coach’s comment: “Our new players, mainly our younger guys, have been away and have played Hampden league footy. They’ve had success at under 18 level and now they’ve come back to play with us.” – Ben Price

Our prediction:  Ninth. The Cats have a lot of upside. Ben Price’s first year in charge will be about setting the structures in place. Competitive, but should finish about ninth.

Ins: Leigh Evans (Cobden), Sam Curtis (North Warrnambool Eagles), Liam Boyle (Warrnambool), Matt Hausler (Koroit).

Outs: Darcy Lewis, Chris Keilar (Wickliffe-Lake Bolac), James Sclanders (North Ballarat City).

Player to watch: Justin Wallace. The big man is a tall target and is expected to spend more time near the sticks as Matt Hausler takes up ruck duties.

Coach’s comment: “We want more consistency. Everyone endeavours to play finals at the start of the season but consistency is key if we’re to get back up into finals. That’s our aim.” – Jake Rhodes

Our prediction: Sixth. Dennington is nearly impossible to gauge. It’s retained a lot of talent and has added some talent you’d expect to be classy workers. 

Ins: Joel Richards (Sebastopol), Nick Alexandrou (Warrnambool), Corey Brown (Westerns), Kalijah Madison (Caramut), Tim Chatfield (Caramut).

Outs: Keegan Gaby, Jayden Millet (Russells Creek), Shannon Turner (Reservoir).

Player to watch: Jyran Chatfield. One of the most damaging forwards in the league. His best is among the competition’s elite.

Captain’s comment: “I’m really excited about the direction we’re heading in with the new recruits we’ve secured for the season. Hopefully we can stay together and work for something special.” – Dylan Cross

Our prediction: Eighth. Coach Danny Chatfield has recruited well, headlined by the signature of Horsham tall Joel Richards. East’s structures matched it with the best sides last season. 

Ins: Corey McDonald (Darwin), Nick Marshall (Fitzroy), Jake O’Flynn (Old Collegians), Matt Deman (Bell Park), Paul Messer (Camperdown), Tim Ryan (Grovedale).

Outs: Mark Clissold, Joel Moloney (Terang Mortlake), Sandy Williams (South Rovers).

Player to watch: Corey McDonald. Former South Warrnambool midfielder who links up with Danny Finn after time in Darwin.

Coach’s comment: “Our younger players – the under 17 players who were around the mark in the premiership side last year – are going to get a better taste of senior football with us.” – Danny Finn

Our prediction: Second. There’s a lot to like about the Power again this season. While Nirranda has taken the spotlight with high-profile recruits, another flag could be on the agenda. 

Last season: Fifth (10 wins, six losses)

Ins: Tate Porter (North Warrnambool Eagles), Oliver Doukas (NWE), Wil Flaherty (Warrnambool), Jacob Henderson (Warrnambool), Cooper McLean (Koroit), Rob Bright (Warrnambool).

Outs: Leatham Robe, Claye Cassidy, Josh Brown, Josh Irving, Brad Kelly, Rhys Raymond, Karl Dwyer, Brenton Webster, Luke Irving.

Player to watch: Cooper McLean. Former Koroit junior who was impressive on Good Friday. Big future.

Coach’s comment: “Our aim is really to develop our kids. If we can get 16 games into our six best kids, it’s a stepping stone for the next couple of years. It’s a three to four year plan for us.” – assistant Matt Brown

Prediction: Tenth. With the loss of several key players, Merrivale can expect a 10th place finish. It’ll be brave but is at the start of the journey.

Last season: Third (11 wins, four losses)

Ins: Travis Graham (Stawell), Isaac Templeton (Koroit), Josh Irving, Aaron Searle, Jesse Dalton, Mitch Couch, Ethan Dalton, Luke Irving, Ben Threlfall.

Outs: Andrew Moloney, Josh Folkes.

Player to watch: Will Paulin. Has put in a flying pre-season and will flourish with star forwards to hit up.

Coach’s comment: “We were fortunate enough to retain most of our list and I think recruiting has added value to our side. We’ve focused on team defence the last couple of seasons but some of the personnel we’ve added might let us play more attacking footy.” – Shane Threlfall

Prediction: The premiership favourite – first place.

Last season: First (15 wins, one loss). 

Ins: Alex Wallis (Wahgunyah), Michael Lambevski, Tom Lambevski, Zach Barlett (Branxholme-Wallacedale), Sam Dwyer (Port Melbourne), Ryan Dorling (Port Fairy).

Outs: Jimmy Crawford (Melbourne), Nick Sullivan (Ballarat), Scott Day (Wickliffe-Lake Bolac).

Player to watch: Michael Lambevski. League best-and-fairest at his former club who adds more midfield grunt. Capable leader.

Coach’s comment: “We’re excited to see younger guys stand up and to see our recruits make an impact.” – Josh Reichman

Prediction: Third. Another strong season beckons. It should again register a top-three finish. 

Last season: Eighth (five wins, 10 losses).

Ins: Louis Kew, Tim Condon, Nick Butters (North Warrnambool Eagles), Stephen McGrath (Swinburne Uni), Lachlan McLeod, Tyson Hay (Terang Mortlake).

Outs: Sam Negrello (Timboon Demons), Chris Shand (Western Australia), Shamus O’Bierne (Heywood).

Player to watch: Louis Kew. Talented Hampden league midfielder who adds layers of class to Panmure’s engine room.

Coach’s comment: “We’ve had a bit of a change in how we’ll play and the lads have taken to that.” – Tim Condon

Prediction: Seventh. Tim Condon arrives as a coach with new philosophies. More attacking footy is expected – but a rebuilding year.

Last season: 11th (Two wins, 14 losses).

Ins: Dylan Keane, Jayden Millet, Harry Hall, Damian Jones, Dan Boyle.

Outs: Tipa Brown, Chris Crawley.

Player to watch: Andy McMeel. Electrifying onballer who will benefit from a full pre-season.

Coach’s comment: “The exciting thing has been the numbers at training this year. It helps create a real buzz. We’ve had our key players out taking control.” – Heath Moloney

Prediction: Wooden spoon. Addition of Bernard Moloney to the Roos’ coaching ranks is a plus. Very young side still rebuilding. 

Last season: Sixth (seven wins, eight losses).

Ins: Matt Dennis, Tom Pyers, Sandy Williams, Jake Butler, Sam Wilde,Trent Harman, Dylan Cox, Tate Gardiner, Alex White, Joe Higgins.

Outs: Chris Moutray

Player to watch: Alex White. Former Koroit utility with good movement. Genuine leader. 

Coach’s comment: “The continued development of our ex-juniors is exciting for us.” – Adam Matheson.

Prediction: One of the big improvers – South Rovers is pressing for finals after strengthening its list. Fifth-place finish.

Last season: Fourth (10 wins, four losses).

Ins: Kris Ward (Thomson), Sam Negrello (Panmure), Ben Harding, Ryan Smith (Cobden), Hayden Mitchell (Lockington Bamawm), Cam Mitchell, Brandon McLeod (Mackay).

Outs: Angus Robertson, Nick Robertson, Robb Jewell (Finley), James Faulkner (Melbourne).

Player to watch: Bayley Thompson. Class operator who could be used through midfield.

Coach’s comment: “The key for us is that we’ve covered losses. We’ll bat deeper in midfield with more onballers. We’re ready.” – Mick Hunt.

Prediction: Fourth. Finals again.